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How to use public transport in Russia

Troika card (Moscow), Podorozhnik (Saint Petersburg), contactless payment, and mobile apps. Anonymous transport cards require no ID — buy at metro ticket offices for 50-80 rubles.

Open guideStarts with: Troika in Moscow: buy, top up, validate

Route

Where this fits

Check what usually comes before or after this guide.

Before thisModerate Risk

Essential apps for living in Russia

Install official apps before relying on public transport routes.

Fast path

Do this in order

Start here if you only need the order. Detailed notes are lower on this page.

  1. Step 1

    Buy a transport card

    In Moscow, buy a Troika at any metro station ticket window (50₽ deposit). In Saint Petersburg, buy a Podorozhnik at a metro ticket window (~60-80₽). No passport required.

    Tip: You can return the Troika card and get your deposit back.

  2. Step 2

    Top up the balance

    At the metro ticket window, self-service machine, via a banking app, or at a payment terminal. Recommended amount: 300-500 rubles.

    Tip: You can also top up Troika via the Moscow Metro app or Sberbank Online.

  3. Step 3

    Use the card on transport

    Tap the card at the turnstile when entering. Troika works on the metro, MCD, MCC, buses, trams, and trolleybuses in Moscow.

    Tip: Troika fares (Moscow): 57₽ metro/MCD/MCC, 85₽ for a 90-minute transfer ticket.

  4. Step 4

    Alternatives: bank card or app

    You can pay per ride by tapping a Mir card at the turnstile (64₽ per ride). Mobile apps like MTS Mobilnik also support NFC payment.

    Tip: Yandex Go is the main app for taxis. Works with Russian and some foreign phone numbers.

This guide is informational, not an official service. Requirements and app availability can change. Use the official links when you are ready to act.

Prepare

What you need

  • Cash for the card and top-up

    Troika card costs 50 rubles (refundable deposit). Top up with cash at a ticket window or machine.

  • Russian Mir bank card (optional)

    For contactless payment at turnstiles. Foreign Visa/Mastercard cards do not work in Russia.

Checklist

Mark it off

Before you start

  • Cash for buying the cardRequired
  • Russian Mir bank card (optional)Recommended
  • Yandex Maps app for navigationRecommended

After you are done

  • Transport card purchased and topped upRequired
  • Balance checkedRecommended
  • Yandex Maps app installedRecommended

Details

Detailed notes

Use these notes when the fast path is not enough. Each step shows what to do, how to check it, and what to avoid.

  1. Step 1

    Payment

    Buy a transport card

    1Check amount
    2Use allowed method
    3Save receipt

    Step 1

    Buy a transport card

    In Moscow, buy a Troika at any metro station ticket window (50₽ deposit). In Saint Petersburg, buy a Podorozhnik at a metro ticket window (~60-80₽). No passport required.

    Do

    Use an allowed payment method and check the amount before confirming.

    Check

    Save the receipt or confirmation screen until the service is complete.

    Avoid

    Avoid payments to personal cards or unofficial intermediaries unless the official source clearly allows it.

    Tip

    You can return the Troika card and get your deposit back.

  2. Step 2

    Payment

    Top up the balance

    1Check amount
    2Use allowed method
    3Save receipt

    Step 2

    Top up the balance

    At the metro ticket window, self-service machine, via a banking app, or at a payment terminal. Recommended amount: 300-500 rubles.

    Do

    Use an allowed payment method and check the amount before confirming.

    Check

    Save the receipt or confirmation screen until the service is complete.

    Avoid

    Avoid payments to personal cards or unofficial intermediaries unless the official source clearly allows it.

    Tip

    You can also top up Troika via the Moscow Metro app or Sberbank Online.

  3. Step 3

    Check

    Use the card on transport

    1Compare source
    2Confirm status
    3Continue

    Step 3

    Use the card on transport

    Tap the card at the turnstile when entering. Troika works on the metro, MCD, MCC, buses, trams, and trolleybuses in Moscow.

    Do

    Compare the result with the official source or provider page before you rely on it.

    Check

    Make sure the name, status, date, provider, or app developer matches the expected result.

    Avoid

    Avoid continuing if the result looks different from the source-backed guide.

    Tip

    Troika fares (Moscow): 57₽ metro/MCD/MCC, 85₽ for a 90-minute transfer ticket.

  4. Step 4

    Check

    Result

    1Compare source
    2Confirm status
    3Continue

    Step 4

    Alternatives: bank card or app

    You can pay per ride by tapping a Mir card at the turnstile (64₽ per ride). Mobile apps like MTS Mobilnik also support NFC payment.

    Do

    Compare the result with the official source or provider page before you rely on it.

    Check

    Make sure the name, status, date, provider, or app developer matches the expected result.

    Avoid

    Avoid continuing if the result looks different from the source-backed guide.

    Tip

    Yandex Go is the main app for taxis. Works with Russian and some foreign phone numbers.

Open when needed

Useful links

Open these when a step points you to an official page, provider page, or child guide.

Cards and top-up

GuideTroika in Moscow: buy, top up, validateA separate guide for the Troika card, top-ups, and gate validation.GuidePodorozhnik in Saint PetersburgWhere to buy it, how to top up, and what to do after an online top-up.GuideTransit routes in Yandex MapsHow to download the app and build your first public transport route.GuideTaxi via Yandex GoWhat to check before a ride when public transport is not enough.Official linkOfficial Troika pageMoscow Transport information about the card and how to use it.Service state checked May 19, 2026transport.mos.ruOfficial linkHow to pay and top up in MoscowOfficial Moscow Transport page for payment and top-up options.Service state checked May 19, 2026transport.mos.ruOfficial linkOfficial Podorozhnik pageSaint Petersburg Metro page about the Podorozhnik card.Service state checked May 19, 2026metro.spb.ruOfficial linkPodorozhnik app in RuStoreOfficial app page for checking and working with the card.Service state checked May 19, 2026www.rustore.ruOfficial linkMoscow Metro app in RuStoreOfficial app for the metro map, tickets, and Troika top-up.Service state checked May 19, 2026www.rustore.ru

Avoid

Common traps

Trying to pay with a foreign Visa/Mastercard

Since March 2022, foreign cards do not work in Russia. Use a Troika card or a Russian Mir card.

Not topping up the balance in advance

Check your balance before traveling. Ticket office queues can be long during rush hour.

Buying single tickets instead of a transport card

A single ticket costs 70₽, while a Troika ride costs 57₽. With multiple daily trips, the savings add up.

Memory aid

Save the route

Use this as a quick reminder after reading the steps.

TransportLOW RISK

Use public transport

Buy a local transport card, top it up, and use trusted navigation apps for metro, buses, and trams.

  1. 1Buy a transport cardMetro ticket offices sell local cards without passport checks.
  2. 2Top up the balanceUse cash, a machine, or a supported Russian payment method.
  3. 3Tap in carefullyHold the card to the reader and check the turnstile signal.
  4. 4Plan routes in an appUse a reliable map app before you start moving.
Verified Jun 20, 2026ruvoya.ru

Questions

Quick answers

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Next

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